Some of the biggest names in the British high street have cut almost 21,000 jobs since the start of last year, and it is likely to get worse as retailers struggle to overcome a gloomy economic backdrop and growing internet sales.

Figures from R3, the insolvency practitioners’ trade body, and Deloitte reveal that since the start of last year 16 retailers have between them closed 1,732 stores, resulting in 20,980 jobs being lost. Peacocks cut 3,180 staff, while Focus DIY and Clinton Cards cut 3,000 and 2,800 jobs.

Gary Smith, the GMB union’s national secretary for the retail sector, said: